Question

Describe the shape of the following species:

\[\ce{SiF^{2-}_6}\]

Answer 1

1. The species (\[\ce{SiF^{2-}_6}\]) has a central silicon atom surrounded by six fluorine atoms.
2. Silicon uses its d-orbitals to expand its octet in this complex.
3. It undergoes (sp³d²) hybridisation, resulting in an octahedral shape.
4. All six fluorine atoms occupy the corners of an octahedron around silicon.

Thus, (\[\ce{SiF^{2-}_6}\]) has an octahedral geometry, symmetrical and with bond angles of 90°.